Mendez vs. Usmanee represents the main event on the intitial event promoted by Iron Mike Productions, “Tyson Is Back!”, a scheduled 12-round war between the 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian (Mendez) and Afghanistan-native (Usmanee) who lives in Montreal.

Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which is presenting “Tyson Is Back!” in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Mendez, rated No. 2 in the world by The Ring Magazine, fights for the first time since he captured his IBF belt this past March, dismantling defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado (26-1-1) in a rematch that ended with a sensational knockout in the fourth round.

IBF No. 13-rated Usmanee is a five-time Canadian National amateur champion who is a former North American Boxing Association (NABA) super featherweight and World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas lightweight champion.

Mendez lives in Miami but trains in England with his head trainer, Lee Beard. Mendez checked in last week from training camp, to report, “We’re in the final stage of training camp. I had a strenuous workout last Saturday in the mountains. Working out there is so tough. I need to go past my regular training limits to defend my title. Only weeks remain for me to get ready to fight for my country, Dominican Republic.”

“We are almost ready for August 23rd. My speed will be a big problem for Usmanee. I’m the best Dominican fighter and as world champion I must be 100-percent ready for this and all my fights. I’m the best super featherweight on this planet.”

“I know how to get the best out of people and Mendez came out like a caged beast in his last fight to win the world title,” Iron Mike Productions CEO Garry Jonas said. “Argenis is the best fighter in the world at 130 pounds, hands down. He leads an incredible team we have here for years to come.”

“We have no doubt in our company that Argenis Mendez is the best super featherweight out there at this time,” Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta added. “We are witnessing an athlete who has all the elements to become an elite boxer and future pound-for- pound fighter. Fans at Turning Stone, or those watching on ESPN, will see an exceptional fighter in Argenis Mendez.”

Providing chief support are a pair of 10-round fights featuring Cuban knockout artist Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (16-0, 15 KOs) and welterweight Ed “The Lion” Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs). Collado, now fighting out of Miami, takes on Mexican featherweight Hugo “Guerrero” Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs), while Paredes faces another tough Mexican, Noe “Platanito” Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs). Collado is rated No. 14 by the WBA and No. 15 by the IBF. Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13.

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan “Big Youth” McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell “Spiderman” Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert “Prince” Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.
Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com
Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

After his impressive win against former world champion Vivian Harris by TKO in July 2012 in Florida, Paredes has since registered two more victories, the first against Hector Munoz by unanimous decision on November 30, along with a third-round knockout of Basilio Silva on April 13 in the Dominican Republic.

The 28-year-old Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13. Paredes will also be participating in the WBC World Cup, organized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and its President, Mr. Mauricio Sulaiman.

The hard-hitting Paredes is scheduled to fight Mexican invader Noe “Platanito” Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs) on Aug. 23rd in a 10-round bout. “We are now very close to a title shot,” Paredes said from his Miami training camp. “I need to stay near the top in the rankings to achieve that world title fight. I’m determined to look good and impressive on August 23rd. I’m excited to be fighting on this card and can’t wait to get in the ring. I’d also like to thank the WBC for allowing me to compete in the World Cup.”

‘We have an amazing schedule for the second half of 2013 in which we anticipate having the world title fight that Ed Paredes is looking for,” Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta said. “We are making our debut under the Iron Mike Productions banner, but our fighters are experienced and ready, and Ed Paredes will be better prepared to face the best welterweights in the world after his August 23rd fight.”

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan “Big Youth” McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell “Spiderman” Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert “Prince” Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.
Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on sale and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com
Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

DEERFIELD, Fla. (August 6, 2013) – A stacked undercard showcasing world-class boxers, promising prospects and local favorites has been announced by Iron Mike Productions for its inaugural event on August 23, “Tyson Is Back!”, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which is presenting “Tyson Is Back!” in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

“Tyson Is Back” features a World Championship doubleheader, airing live on ESPN Friday Night Fights, and headlined by International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez (21-2, 11 KOs) in his first world title defense against IBF No. 13-rated Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs) in the 12-round main event.

Providing chief support are a pair of 10-round fights featuring Cuban knockout artist Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (16-0, 15 KOs) and welterweight Ed “The Lion” Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs). Collado, now fighting out of Miami, takes on Mexican featherweight Hugo “Guerrero” Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs), while Paredes faces another tough Mexican, Noe “Platanito” Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs). Collado is rated No. 14 by the WBA and No. 15 by the IBF. Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13.

“The quality of our undercard is spectacular,” Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta said. “On any other ESPN Friday Night Fights card, Ed Paredes and Alexi Collado would be fighting in the main event and co-feature. This is the debut show for Iron Mike Productions, so we wanted to load-up the card from top to bottom. Paredes is No. 3 in the world and one of the most avoided welterweights. The fact Carlos Burgos turned down a fight against Collado gives everyone and idea of what top opponents feel about Alexei.”

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan “Big Youth” McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell “Spiderman” Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert “Prince” Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.
Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on sale and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com
Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m.
Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

This will mark the first event promoted by Iron Mike Productions, formerly Acquinity Sports, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, and it will be broadcast live on ESPN Friday Night Fights. Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions.

Marrero understood that this fight be a tough test and he has trained accordingly for the most significant fight of his young professional career. “I understand that Jesus Cuellar is an aggressive fighter who has a high percentage of knockouts,” Marrero said. “However, we believe that he is not invincible, and we will defeat him. We have two different styles. I am sure I have the skills to win, either by unanimous decision or by KO.”

Iron Mike Productions COO Henry Rivalta added, “He (Marrero) is training for the fight of his life. Argentina has great fighters like Lucas Matthysee, Sergio Martinez and Marcos Maidana, who have all proven themselves. In the Marrero-Cuellar fight, we will see the rise of a new star, Claudio Marrero”

Marrero, the WBA’s top-ranked featherweight at No. 2 (No. 1 unrated), is a stylish southpaw from the Dominican Republic, while the WBA No. 4-ranked Cuellar will be fighting out his native country for the first time as a professional.

Providing chief support are two 10-rounders showcasing Cuban KO king, featherweight lightweight Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (16-0, 15 KOs) and world welterweight contender Ed “The Lion” Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs). Collado, now fighting out of Miami, takes on Mexican veteran Hugo “Guerrero” Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs), while Paredes faces another tough Mexican, Noe “Platanito” Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs). Collado is rated No. 14 by the WBA and No. 15 by the IBF. Paredes is one of only two welterweights in the world who is currently ranked among the top 15 in all four major sanctioning bodies: World Boxing Council (WBC) & WBA #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 11, and IBF No. 13.

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round bouts are undefeated Bahamian light heavyweight Ryan “Big Youth” McKenzie (13-0, 11 KOs), now residing in Canastota, New York against an opponent to be determined, and unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell “Spiderman” Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY).

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert “Prince” Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action against New York City super featherweight Angel Siguenza (0-1) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.
Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com
Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.

My name is Raymond Santopietro. I live in Las Vegas, the boxing capital of the world, and I have been analyzing fighters, styles, matchups and fights for more than a decade. I am currently a writer and photographer for several publications, and am self employed working as a Las Vegas web developer and Las Vegas SEO at Focus Internet Services.

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